The Frenchman is on a season-long loan at Sevilla, where he is proving a big success in La Liga.

After missing a lot of time last season with injury, Nasri has been given a new lease of life in Spain - but he insists the move did not come as a result of finding himself surplus to requirements under Guardiola.

Nasri has expressed a desire to stay with Los Rojiblancos, but it will take a reported £21m to secure his signature permanently in the summer.

"I had a good pre-season but needed a change," he told Sevilla's official magazine. "Guardiola wanted me to stay.

"In my last season, I had many injuries and wanted to start something new, fresh. So I contacted other clubs but, when I heard Sevilla, I knew I needed to come here.

Read More

"If you know anything about football, you know that Sevilla has returned many players back to the top."

Nasri also revealed that he consulted teammate Jesus Navas, who spent the entirety of his pre-City career at Sevilla, about the move, while also seeking advice from David Silva and Nolito before making the decision.

He added: "I also asked Jesus Navas, [David] Silva and Nolito about the club, the city, and everything was good.

"I talked to Guardiola and he told me there is a great coach in [Sevilla assistant] Juanma Lillo.